In Depth: Meet America's 20 Most Promising Young Companies

No. 20: 1st Products

Company Vitals: Manufactures microwavable pastries (brownies, cookie dough and holiday kits) containing no perishables and sold at Wal-Mart, Target and Winn Dixie.

Recent Updates: Slow sales are calling for a new in-store marketing push. Shoppers need to know that 1st Products’ ready-to-bake breads can be found next to the sugar and flour. Capital would help, but it’s scarce.